Rating: 
Summary: Only book that made me feel better
Review: My husband calls my bookshelf the "national public library of pregnancy", as I've got everything from the "expecting" books to more medical-oriented books there. But with all that I've read, the only book that made me sit back, laugh and have a sense of humor about this whole process was Vicki's. With every concern or worry that I've had, only the Girlfriend's Guide made me realize that not only is it normal for these things to happen, it's normal for me to be astounded/crazed/upset/frantic about them. It's not medical advice, nor should it be the ONLY book you read about pregnancy, but I would definitely recommend it for your mental health!
Rating: 
Summary: HORRIBLE BOOK
Review: I absolutely hated this book. I was told that it was hilarious by several people and I don't think I even chuckled once. After TRYING to find some good parts and having no luck, I quickly got rid of it!
The fact that she tells women not to excercise is ridiculous. A friend of mine actually bought into that (she LOVED the book) and gained so much weight during her pregnancy that she was on bedrest, developed high blood pressure and ended up with a c-section. So, however funny the book may be there are people out there actually listening to her silly advice.
I loved how she mentioned that she is normally a size 4 (was that necessary?). Also, I thought her take on having a birth at home clued you in on the type of person she is: "why mess up YOUR sheets?" Oh please. Then, the part on taking care of hemorroids: "go to bed and ignore them." If she ever had 'em, she would know that you can't ignore 'em.
She DID say that she had no medical background and to consult your doctor, but I do think that people are listening to her BAD advice anyway. So, she should keep opinions to herself.
The only reason the author got this book published is because of her husband's position. I wish she would do everyone a favor and STOP writing books.
Rating:
Summary: It was great and informative!
Review: I am currently pregnant with my first babies (boy/girl twins) and I found this book very interesting and really informative. She describes things that know one else would ever bring up and she makes it light and funny. I will definitely pass this book on to a friend who is pregnant.
Rating:
Summary: Bias view, not very positive.
Review: As a first-time pregnant "girlfriend", I did find the book to be quite humorous for the most part. However, I do feel the book offers no support for women who strongly choose natural childbirth, homebirths with midwives and a truly important issue like Nursing.I only read the first few chapters and felt I had to stop reading because of its negative feelings and comments against homebirth, midwives and nursing. Iovine makes women out to be a weak sex who can't handle childbirth without the help of doctors, drugs and technology. For obvious reasons women are the selected sex for something as beautiful as childbirth.
I do prefer literature that sees pregnancy and childbirth as a "rite of passage in one's life and not a medical condition", as put by those who believe in Birthing from Within.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute Must-Have! Very knowledgeable girlfriend!
Review: Although I am more than a year away from even trying to conceive, I have checked out many baby books from that particular section in the library. Among the books are "How to take care of a newborn," "How to conceive," and "prenatal nutrition." This book is my FAVORITE!!! The other books contained illustrations on how to change a diaper or breast-feeding positions, but Iovine's book is a lengthy conversation that she is having with you. It's as if my very knowledgeable,very caring friend is handing me a whole book of very useful advice. She knows a lot about babies and her goal is for you to know as much. Her personal stories are very humorous. The hemorrhoids story had me in stitches! (sorry) Everything is covered in this book, from maternity fashions to baby registry essentials. I can't wait to get pregnant! This book is an absolute must-have. I'm sure her other books will be just as helpful.
Rating:
Summary: I recommend it highly!
Review: This book is great! I'm currently expecting my first child and found it to be funny and practical. For example, in the author's list of things to bring to the hospital, she suggests bringing a pen for filling out forms and menus. This is something only someone who's "been there" would think of. It's not a medical book (and the author says that from the very beginning) but, it's a lot of fun to read and I would recommend it for anyone who's expecting.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshingly honest and direct
Review: Going into your first pregnancy is, to say the least, a daunting process. The Girlfriend's Guide is a refreshingly honest and direct look at the reality of pregnancy, from conception to delivery. Different from other pregnancy books in its tone and approach, this book reads like a letter from a close friend, offering advice and giving information on topics your doctor might not mention, such as skin pigment changes during pregnancy, the "sensitivity" of certain body parts -- things that a woman pregnant for the first time may not understand are common, and which might be difficult to discuss with anyone other than a best friend who's been through her own pregnancy. Extremely funny and down-to-earth, this book is a must-have for new mothers-to-be.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny and calming
Review: This book was great. The author was really funny but at the same time she was very informative. Whenever I was afraid that something bad or strange was happening to me, this book calmed me right down. The only criticism I can give it is that it's not organized in the best way. I would have liked to see it as more of a month by month book.
Rating:
Summary: Pseudo science idiotic advice
Review: This book is full of idiotic advice from a woman who knows nothing about medicine, math, or common sense. In the opening pages she states that women are pregnant for 40 weeks so they must be pregnant for 10 months. Someone should loan her a calendar so she can realize that only ONE month has 4 weeks in it. The book then continues with dozens of trite pregnancy stories that are more boring than funny.
Rating:
Summary: A huge source of comfort
Review: Funny, practcal book you can read aloud to your husband and say, "See? See? And you thought I was crazy, but I am not alone!" Highly reccomend it.
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